Interview study, 1993
How do stress and coping skills change during the menstrual cycle in women with PMS?
Stress increases and coping ability decreases before the period while symptoms worsen. This suggests stress and coping may play a role in PMS.
What they did
Qualitative study following 12 women with PMS over 8 weeks. Researchers tracked their symptoms, stress levels, and coping ability throughout the menstrual cycle.
What they found
Significant cyclical changes occurred in PMS symptoms, perceived stress, and coping ability. The highest problems appeared before the period. Coping strategies were related to symptom severity.
What it means for you
Stress and how well women cope may contribute to PMS severity. However, this was a small qualitative study with only 12 women and no control group, so findings may not apply broadly.
12
Women studied
8
Weeks monitored
About the study
- Original title
- The Premenstrual Syndrome: Perceived Stress and Coping Efficacy
- Authors
- Janet Burrage, Helgo Schomer
- Journal
- South African Journal of Psychology
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/008124639302300302
Topics
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